Madagascar: la mano de obra barata de la IA | ARTE.tv Documentales

The Role of Human Labor in AI Development

Introduction to AI and Human Involvement

• Despite the common perception that artificial intelligence (AI) operates autonomously, it actually relies heavily on human input for functionality.

• David Ratomson, a 32-year-old from Antananarivo, Madagascar, exemplifies the human labor behind AI by performing data annotation tasks.

Daily Life of Data Annotators

• David balances multiple jobs to support his family, including managing a bar near a bus station while working online as a data annotator.

• He utilizes fiber optic internet to connect daily to an online platform where he performs tasks like image labeling and object classification essential for training AI systems.

The Workforce Behind AI

• Approximately 100,000 individuals in Madagascar engage in similar work as David, contributing significantly to the training of algorithms used by major companies like ChatGPT and Google.

• Many workers lack formal contracts or social protections and earn very low wages; however, some view this burgeoning industry as an opportunity for better livelihoods.

Success Stories in the Industry

• Elina, a 25-year-old with a stable job in BPO (Business Process Outsourcing), enjoys better working conditions and benefits compared to many others in her field. She is part of a team that trains AI through data processing tasks.

• Elina's role involves verifying invoices from global companies, ensuring accuracy which contributes directly to improving AI functionalities. Her salary is notably higher than the national average due to her position within the industry.

Education and Aspirations

• The rise of AI-related jobs has led to increased educational opportunities in Madagascar; institutions like School 42 are fostering young talent interested in technology and innovation without traditional teaching methods.

• Students at these institutions are motivated by dreams of creating solutions using AI technologies that could elevate their communities' standards of living. However, some graduates face disillusionment when reality does not meet their expectations regarding job stability and pay after completing their education.

AI and Labor Conditions in Madagascar

The Pressure of AI Surveillance

• The individual expresses frustration over constant pressure while monitoring stores abroad through surveillance systems, which are claimed to be powered by artificial intelligence. Despite challenges, he continues to work in AI.

Employment Challenges in Madagascar

• Current job opportunities are limited; major tech companies like Amazon have blacklisted Madagascar due to harsh labor conditions, avoiding accusations of exploitation.

• Officially, working for Amazon's AI from Madagascar is impossible due to access restrictions, yet some individuals have found ways around this ban, leading to a black market for accounts.

Dani's Innovative Approach

• Dani earns approximately 1.60 per day on average but aspires for more financial stability by starting a car rental business and building his own house. He has identified loopholes in the system that allow him to profit from selling accounts he acquired illegally.

• Initially working clandestinely for Amazon via an intermediary account, Dani now organizes the sale of multiple accounts and takes commissions on these transactions, creating a new profession outside legal frameworks.

Government Initiatives and Economic Development

• Despite many workers operating without legal protections (80% of the sector), the Malagasy government aims to leverage AI for economic growth and encourages workers to regularize their status under new laws aimed at attracting international investors.

• Stefanie Delm emphasizes the need for strict regulations regarding worker rights to gain credibility with global companies while addressing informal employment issues through positive incentives rather than just penalties.

Grassroots Movements and Local Innovations

• Many Malagasy people prefer self-organizing efforts to assert their rights and improve labor conditions instead of relying solely on state initiatives. A recent international fair showcased various stakeholders including startups focused on AI integration into local industries.

• Dimitri leads Madal Stars, an association connecting qualified workers with businesses needing skilled labor in AI fields while ensuring mutual respect between employers and employees amidst prevalent abuses within recruitment practices.

Technological Advancements by Local Engineers

• In Anjomakelli, two engineers test an AI application designed to assist farmers by analyzing plant health parameters such as hydration levels and toxicity—demonstrating local innovation aimed at improving agricultural productivity using technology tailored for local needs.

AI Development in Madagascar

The Emergence of AI Initiatives

• A free online AI program was developed, trained using thousands of plant photos, showcasing local innovation in Madagascar.

• The initiative sends a message to the world that Malagasy people are not just data annotators; they are creators of their own artificial intelligence.

• This AI is viewed as a lever for economic growth and development in Madagascar, representing a revolutionary industrial opportunity.

Infrastructure and Community Support

• The team created "Liam," an AI laboratory located in an atypical area away from the city, emphasizing community involvement.

• The lab operates within a community that includes a church and school, fostering collaboration among researchers, experts, and engineers in AI.